Yep, that makes a lot of sense. Making an entire character can take quite long, so I try to do it outside of group sessions especially with new players, but some aspects should be talked through with the group.

A session zero is basically a meeting where the DM and players talk about what kind of campaign they will play, the setting, whether the game will be more combat or RP heavy, whether it will be serious or humorous, topics or themes they’d rather avoid and those they’d like to explore, and maybe a bit about the player characters and how they fit into the story. It’s a good chance to get to know the other players and see whether you’re a good fit for the group.

Good idea for a Christmas gift to whoever makes the rules. Gift them a pair of new garden chair, acquire a better spot to sit, and hopefully they’ll get the message.

This look exactly like a café in Vienna that I visited years ago. Wonder if it still exists.

You could get a folding board, that helps with shirts at least.

Whatsapp doesn’t use a lot of battery at all for me.